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Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection that affects the feet and is caused by a fungus known as a dermatophyte. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, shoes, and public showers. Athlete’s foot spreads through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include itching, redness, burning, and painful skin, especially between the toes or on the soles of the feet. The skin may crack, peel, or become irritated, making walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can help by accurately diagnosing the condition and recommending appropriate antifungal treatments. Care may also include guidance on foot hygiene, footwear choices and moisture control to prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing persistent itching, redness, or foot discomfort, do not ignore the symptoms. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A swollen big toe can be painful and may interfere with walking or daily activities. One common cause is an ingrown toenail, which occurs when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin and leads to redness and swelling. A fracture in the toe bone can also cause sudden swelling, bruising, and tenderness after an injury. Bunions often create chronic swelling at the base of the big toe due to joint misalignment. Additionally, gout is another cause and may lead to intense swelling, warmth, and pain from uric acid buildup. Hallux rigidus causes stiffness and swelling from arthritis in the big toe joint. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause through examination and imaging, then provide proper treatment to relieve pain and restore function. If big toe swelling persists or worsens, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and appropriate  care.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Vincent, Vess of Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Simple exercises can help keep the big toe more comfortable and mobile when arthritis begins to limit motion. One option is a seated toe glide. Sit with your foot flat on the floor and slowly slide the big toe forward and back without lifting it. This movement encourages joint mobility without excessive pressure. Another helpful exercise is the big toe lift. While keeping the smaller toes relaxed, lift only the big toe upward, hold briefly, and place it back down. This strengthens the muscles that stabilize the joint and can reduce stiffness over time. These activities should feel smooth and controlled, never forced. A podiatrist can determine which exercises match the severity of your arthritis, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatments that make movement easier and safer. If foot discomfort increases or motion becomes more limited, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Running is a well-known sport that is loved by many people. However, without the proper knowledge of technique and equipment, many people can suffer running injuries. To avoid these types of injuries, it’s beneficial to gain knowledge on specific prevention tips you can practice while performing the sport. Strengthening your body is an important step in this process. Activation exercises can be useful to look into and perform before you go on a run, that way your body is prepared for physical activity. Increasing the intensity of your runs must be done gradually or your body will react negatively. Another factor in injury prevention is proper footwear. Your shoes should fit comfortably and also offer the necessary support features for the type of running you enjoy. For more information on how to prevent running injuries, please consult with a podiatrist for professional advice and care.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Vincent, Vess of Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.